AOC Mercurey

In Mercurey, the climats were classified long before the appellation existed. These named sites, whether recorded in the land register or known by local usage, were first ranked in 1899, in a viticulture review chaired by Jean Roy-Chevrier. The first ones to earn Premier Cru status were recognized in 1943.

A Lawsuit in 1923, an Appellation in 1936

In 1923, Mercurey's growers, already well organized in a union, won a lawsuit against producers in neighboring villages. Those producers had been trading on the reputation of Mercurey wines by selling their own harvest under that name.

Following that case, AOC Mercurey was recognized as early as 1936, by a decree of September 11. Its area covers just two villages in Saône-et-Loire, Mercurey and Saint-Martin-sous-Montaigu, about 6 miles (10 km) west of Chalon-sur-Saône: that is where the grapes are grown.

In the early 1980s, after violent storms flooded the village, growers took an unusual step: they consolidated the vineyard plots to protect both the soils and the village.

History of the AOC Mercurey Appellation

Nestled in the northern part of the Côte Chalonnaise, the AOC Mercurey vineyard is one of the largest communal appellations in Burgundy, with a significant number of Premier Crus. This privileged terroir boasts nearly one-third of its surface area planted with Premier Cru vines. Known for its robust red wines, the AOC Mercurey appellation also produces rich and complex white wines, particularly from the terroirs of white marl.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Mercurey Appellation

Climate: The AOC Mercurey vineyard enjoys a temperate oceanic climate with continental and southern disturbances. The vineyard is sheltered from humid winds by its slopes.

Soils: The terroir of the AOC Mercurey appellation consists mainly of marl soils, which produce more robust wines, and stony soils, which result in more delicate wines. The AOC Mercurey has 32 climats classified as "Premier Cru."

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: The Essential Grapes of the AOC Mercurey Appellation

Like most Burgundy appellations, the AOC Mercurey produces red and white wines mostly vinified as single-varietal wines. Pinot Noir is prominent for red wine, and Chardonnay for white wine. These grapes, inseparable from Burgundy, offer wines with very different profiles depending on the estate and the terroir where they are cultivated.

Wine Style of AOC Mercurey

White Wine: A beautiful golden color with green reflections. The nose is rather floral (white flowers, hawthorn, lime blossom) and expresses notes of dried fruits (almond, hazelnut) with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, AOC Mercurey white wine is generally round and rich, akin to the great white wines of Burgundy.

Red Wine: A deep garnet red color with violet reflections. The nose expresses aromas of fresh red and black fruits (raspberry, cherry, wild strawberry), leather, and undergrowth after a few years of aging. On the palate, the AOC Mercurey appellation produces a fleshy and racy red wine with velvety tannins.

The Best Food and Wine Pairings with AOC Mercurey Wines

Here are the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of white or red wine from an estate or château in AOC Mercurey:

White Wine: Salmon tartare, poultry with cream, stuffed cabbage.

Red Wine: Beef with carrots, veal sauté with mushrooms, eggs en meurette.

Mercurey Wine: Common Questions

When can you buy Mercurey from the latest harvest?

Mercurey goes on sale to consumers from April 15 of the year after the harvest. Before then, the wine must age until at least April 1. A Mercurey harvested in 2025 therefore cannot be sold to consumers before April 15, 2026.

What name was Mercurey once sold under?

Mercurey was long sold as "vin de Beaune" (Beaune wine). As early as 1400, it was on the list of wines served to the Duke of Burgundy at his residence in Arras. Local merchants who owned vines in Mercurey later made it known far beyond Burgundy.

Where can you buy Mercurey direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Mercurey direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Every wine's page gives the name of its producer.

See also: AOC Rully - AOC Givry - AOC Maranges